Heart Shaped Homemade Marshmallows

Chocolates and flowers are nice on Valentine's Day but I think heart-shaped homemade marshmallows are better!  Do you agree?

When planning my Snow in Love Engagement Party photo shoot, I was inspired by marshmallows and decided to take it two steps further by making them and cutting them into heart shapes (using cookie cutters).  The result was fabulous ... just ask my girls who helped me eat the whole batch!

I recommend this fluffy marshmallow recipe ... and if you still need a little chocolate on Valentine's Day, may I suggest a dark chocolate fondue!  Enjoy!

Did this post inspire you to make homemade marshmallows?  If so, please leave me a comment to let me know!

{Snow in Love} DIY Fruit-Infused Spirits

Want to encourage fun at your next cocktail party?  Offer homemade fruit-infused spirits!  Not only will guests enjoy experimenting with flavors but the experience will inspire conversation ... and did I mention that the cocktails will be absolutely delicious?!

If you recall from a recent blog post on 2012 Party Trends, homemade fruity spirits are pretty popular.  Celebrity mixologists, and the upscale bars they manage, are having a blast making fun, delicious cocktails ... and you can, too! 

For this Snow in Love party, I served Absolut Crush Cocktails made with Tangerine Vodka; cocktail recipe below.  To make the fruit-flavored vodka, I put sliced tangerines in a jar filled with vodka and let it sit in a dark, cool cabinet for a week.  The result was fabulous!  I loved the smell of tangerines almost as much as the taste of my cocktail!  Other flavor variations include sliced pineapple, strawberries or blueberries, and even vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks.

Absolut Crush Cocktail

Ingredients

1 Part Tangerine Vodka (instructions above) (or Absolut Mandarin)

3 Parts Orange Juice

1 Part Triple Sec

1 Slice Orange

Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with orange slice.

Has this article inspired you to make your own fruit-flavored spirits?  If so, please leave me a comment below and tell me which flavor you'll try first!

{in season) Cranberries

I have a fabulous client, who is more like a friend.  When I visit her home to discuss upcoming parties, she offers coffee, smoothies or a glass of wine ... it hardly feels like work!  This holiday season, I'm helping her with her decorations, including new greenery for the staircases.  I found this inspiring photo on pinterest; isn't it fabulous?!

The little pop of red reminded me of cranberries ... and how much fun you could have creating the look and feel of a holiday party based on cranberries.

Red ornaments atop candlesticks?  Stunning and simple decor!

Rosy Cranberry Cider ... perfect beverage to warm up a crowd on a cold winter's night!

Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites!  Yummy appetizer!

Other creative ideas for cranberries:

Garnish

spear a few onto a drink stirrer

Floral

add cranberries to a clear vase for a festive touch

Candle Holder

embellish a tray of votive candles with cranberries

Ice Bucket

DIY ice bucket decorated with cranberries

Tutorial forthcoming soon!

What are your clever uses for cranberries this holiday season?  Please leave me a comment and let me know!

All images found on pinterest.  Credits include BHG, Martha Stewart and Yummy Mummy.

Leftover Turkey and Brie Quesadillas

At my family's Thanksgiving dinner there's always leftover turkey!  That wouldn't be a problem except I don't like turkey and I don't like leftovers ... that was until I discovered this really yummy quesadilla recipe with gooey brie, cranberry sauce and turkey.  Now, it's one of my favorite recipes and go-to party recipes.  [Quesadillas are great crowd-pleasing appetizers] So, on the day after Thanksgiving, if you want a delicious meal after some serious Black Friday shopping, try this recipe!

Flour tortillas

Dijon mustard

Turkey slices

Cranberry sauce

Thick slices of brie cheese

Brush mustard on tortilla.  Layer turkey and 2 slices of brie on one half of the tortilla.  Add a dallop of cranberry sauce (try to avoid any juice).  Fold the tortilla in half.  Heat in a skillet with a little olive oil, or bake at 450 for 10 minutes.  Did I mention the gooey brie?! It's so yummy!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and if you try this recipe, please let me know!

Photo credit and recipe inspiration from Martha Stewart

{in season} Pumpkin Spice Yumminess!

Love Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte?  Me, too!  After a quick coffee fix last week, on a rather chilly Friday afternoon, I started thinking about fall, pumpkins and parties (not necessarily in that order!).  I envisioned sipping hot lattes with friends around an outdoor fire pit or perhaps sharing them with out-of-town guests at a post-wedding Sunday Brunch. 

Whatever you envision, if you want Pumpking Spice Lattes at your next fall party, below is a yummy beverage recipe, plus a few dessert recipes, to inspire a tasteful celebration!

Pumpkin Spice Syrup for Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Recipe from Cook Like a Champion

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 cinnamon sticks

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 tablespoons pumpkin purée

Directions

Combine water and sugar in a medium pot over medium heat. Cook until sugar has completely dissolved. Whisk in remaining ingredients. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Do not allow mixture to come to a boil. Strain syrup through cheesecloth into a large glass measuring cup. Transfer to bottle of your choice and store in the refrigerator.

To make a pumpkin spice latte, simply add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of syrup for each shot of espresso. For an iced latte, stir together syrup and espresso before adding desired amount of cold milk. For a hot latte, add frothed milk and stir to combine. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

Pumpkin Spice Truffles

Recipe on Annie's Eats

Pumpkin Spice Whoopies

Recipe on Better Homes and Gardens

Pumpkin Granola

Recipe on Two Peas & Their Pod

S'Mores: Yumminess Beyond the Campfire

Love s'mores?  Me, too!  It's a fun summer treat to roast marshmallows and make gooey s'mores.  In fact, my Girl Scout Daisy troop is hosting a family cook-out tomorrow night to introduce the girls to camping.  I'm positive that roasting s'mores will be the highlight of the evening!

But s'mores are not just for the campfire; they are suitable for many occasions - from casual birthday, housewarming and retirement parties to corporate retreats and formal weddings!  It's all in the presentation.

CLEVER DISPLAYS

Photo credits: Style Me Pretty, MyJeanM

MENU OPTIONS

 Photo credits: The Sweetest Occasion, MyBakingAddiction, Betty Crocker

I may have to quit this post; it's making me hungry!  Love the S'mores Mini Cake ... the S'mores Whoopie Pie and S'mores Martini, too!

PARTY FAVORS

 Photo credits: Twig and Thistle, HowSweetEats

 Who knew s'mores were so versatile ... and grown up!  So, for what occasion will you incorporate your love of s'mores?  I'm thinking of a Roast & Toast 50th Birthday or S'more Love Engagement Party.

{in season} Raspberry Beer Cocktail

What happened to spring?!  It's so hot in DC ... we need to stay cool!  While we could dip in the pool or run through the sprinkler, another option is a drink a refreshing beverage.  Perhaps a Raspberry Beer Cocktail! I know some of you are thinking that I'm crazy, that I only drink chilled white wine but it's so good ... and pretty poolside!

Ingredients

3/4 cup frozen raspberries*

3 1/2 (12-oz.) bottles beer, chilled

1 (12-oz.) container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, thawed

1/2 cup vodka

Garnish: lemon and lime slices

Preparation

Stir together first 4 ingredients. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

*Fresh raspberries may be substituted.

 

What is your favorite summer cocktail? Please leave me a comment to let me know!

 

Photo credit: Southern Living

Cupcake Cake Pop Mold

My friend, Audrey, gave me a gift last weekend ... a cupcake cake pop mold from My Little Cupcake!  It's so cute ... as well as practical and really easy to use!  As a matter of fact, here's my true story.

Last night, I realized that my daughter needed a treat to give her teacher this morning (it's Teacher Appreciation Week).  So I made cupcake cake pops at 10:00 pm.  How?  I used a no-bake "cake" recipe of Oreos and cream cheese (yum!) and rolled the mixture into 1" balls.  I chilled the balls overnight and made cupcake molds this morning. 

To decorate, I dipped the cupcakes in frosting, embellished with sprinkles and popped the cupcake on a lollipop stick.  Voila!  I made about 24 cupcake cake pops in less than 1 hour.  Clean up probably took longer ... =)

Here are the cupcake cake pops for Ms. Toth ... and extras for other teachers and of course, afternoon snack for my girls!

No-Bake Oreo Recipe

1 package of Oreo sandwich cookies (any flavor)

8 oz container of cream cheese

Grind cookies in food processor.  Add cream cheese and mix by hand.

Other time-saving Cake Pop ideas include:

• Use canned frosting in lieu of candy melts to decorate; microwave at 50% for a few seconds.
• Use styrofoam sheet to stand cake pops

Cake pops are so popular, even Starbucks has joined the craze!  Do you make cake pops?  If so, what are your secrets for cake pop success?

Inspiration for your Easter Celebration

Still wondering what to do for Easter?  Look no further!  I have some outstanding seasonal ideas for decorating and entertaining family and friends, young and old. Enjoy!

Decor? Dessert? Definitely Fun!

Bunny Cakes on a Stick by Pizzazzerie

Another easy DIY decoration from the talented team at Pizzazzerie!

Add a splash of whimsy to your flower vase by adding dyed eggs.

Sometimes a little embellishment makes a BIG impact!

Bunny Ears napkin fold discovered on Hip Hostess.

Mix up your Easter celebration with a photo booth ... and capture the fun memories with these adorable Bunny Ears and Nose photo props!

Designed by the talented team at Frog Prince Paperie (for a Bunny Hop party produced by The Savvy Moms Guide).

Free download available here.

Origami bunny favor - such a sweet treat!

Super Cute Chick Cookie Pops from The Celebration Shoppe (for Parents magazine)! 

I'm making these cuties for a Girls Night Out Spring Break get-together tomorrow night because Chicks Have More Fun, correct?!

So that's my run-down on easy last minute Easter entertaining and decorating ideas!  Hopefully, my short list will eliminate your research so that you may enjoy more time with family and friends!

Toasted Spice Rub

Earlier this week, I shared details from my "My Child Would Never Eat That!" dinner party.  There were so many favorite parts of the evening but one in particular was the fabulous Lamb Loin with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.  Wow! It tasted amazing.  Chef Colleen's secret weapon?  Toasted Spice Rub (and probably a good cut of meat and lots of culinary skill)! 

Lamb Loin with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce and paired with a Chilean Merlot

Chef Colleen sears the lamb ...

... while friends sample the Toasted Spice Rub

Toasted Spice Rub
Adapted from At Home with Michael Chiarello

1 Tablespoon Black Peppercorns
1 ¼ Tablespoons Coriander Seeds
1/4 cup Fennel Seeds
1 ½ Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
1/8 Cup hot chili powder (up to ¼ cup if sweeter than hotter)*
2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon

In a dry heavy skillet, toast peppercorns, coriander and fennel seeds. Watch closely, shaking pan gently to toast everything evenly. Once you begin to see the fennel seeds browning, and begin to smell the spices, remove from heat and pour onto a rimmed sheet pan to cool completely.

Place the cooled spices into a blender and add pepper flakes, chili powder, salt and cinnamon. Pulse until the mixture is finely and evenly ground. If using a spice mill or coffee grinder, mix all ingredients together in a bowl and process in two to three batches. Store in airtight container. Makes approximately one cup.

*be sure to get pure ground chilies, not the kind used in Texas Chili, with cumin ad other spices. California Chili powder is sweeter, but I like some with heat.

Thanks for sharing your recipe with us, Chef Colleen!

Be My Valentine Chocolate Covered Spoons

If you are looking for a last minute, easy to make and unique Valentine treat for tomorrow, let me suggest Chocolate Covered Spoons ... the perfect complement for hot chocolate!  Yes, I just made some for my girls' party this afternoon.  That's my photo below.

I really wish that I could remember who inspired me to make these charming treats because they are so easy to make.  Basically, I melted white chocolate chips in a double-boiler; dipped the plastic spoon into the chocolate; added a dash of sprinkles; and let it dry on wax paper.  To speed up the drying process, I put the spoons in the refigerator.  Once dried, I put the spoons in a plastic treat bag.

I'm so happy with the outcome of this treat! I hope my daughters' friends enjoy them with their hot chocolate.

Be Mine Mojitos and other Love Potions

Have you ever looked for one thing only to discover another thing, and it looks better than the original thing?  That's what happened this morning. I was looking for a love potion and discovered Be Mine Mojitos ... as well as Cupids Kiss, Hope Floats and Love Potion #9 on Oprah's Valentine's Day Cocktail Menu. 

Be Mine Mojito - I like this berry much!

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces Bacardi Razz (white rum optional)

1 ounce simple syrup

1/2 lime , freshly squeezed

12 to 14 fresh mint leaves

4 raspberries

4 blackberries

Sprig of mint

Directions

In a tall glass, lightly muddle the lime juice, 3 raspberries, 3 blackberries, simple syrup and mint leaves. The trick is to muddle just enough to release the oils from the mint leaves while leaving them intact. Add crushed ice and rum, and top with soda. Stir until the outside of the glass begins to frost. Garnish with the leftover berries speared with a mint sprig. Serves 1.

Cupid's Kiss - pucker up for chocolate!

Hope Floats - a little bubbly with sorbet is like a lot of XOXO's!

Love Potion #9 - this recipe serves a crowd!

Cheers to a wonderful Valentine's Day celebration!

{party trends} Popcorn and Pretzels ... for a Winning Super Bowl Party!

Planning your Super Bowl menu?  Add flavored popcorn and soft pretzels - one of the food trends predicted by Andrew Freemen & Co.

Need some inspiration?  My family is going to a Super Bowl party and I'm thinking about taking one of these snacks to share:

Bacon and Cashew Caramel Popcorn

My husband loves anything with bacon, and the combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to be a hit with friends, too.

Time Saving Tip: use microwave popcorn

{Recipe and photo from here}

Soft Pretzels with Queso Poblano Sauce and Mustard Sauce

I have a weakness for soft pretzels ... dripping with butter or dipped in cheese!

Time Saving Tip: buy frozen pretzels at the grocery store

{Recipe and photo from here}

More inspiration?  Gourmet popcorn bars are popular at employee meetings and celebrations, mitzvahs and especially, wedding receptions.

So, what do you think of the popcorn and pretzel trend?  Thumbs up or down?

I *HEART* Twinkies!

This dessert makes me smile!!  Hope it makes you smile, too!

Thanks to Maddycakes Muse for originally sharing this recipe - and brightening my day!

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tbsp seedless red raspberry jam
1 cup fresh raspberries
2 Twinkies snack cakes

PREPARATION:

1. Stir jam and 1 Tbsp water in a bowl until smooth. Add raspberries; toss gently to coat.

2. Cut Twinkies in half diagonally, starting about 1 in. down from top left to 1 in. from bottom of opposite side. For each heart, put 2 halves together on 1 serving plate. Spoon raspberry mixture over and around hearts. Garnish with mint, if desired.

Winter Party Appetizers

The best part of getting a pedicure?  Catching up on my reading!

I spotted these mouthwatering 'winter party appetizers' in this month's Better Homes & Gardens magazine.  This is just a sample; there are over 30 suggestions for Movie Night, Awards, Super Bowl and Sledding parties.  Winter never looked so good ...

Crab-topped Shrimp

Greek-style Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Vegetable Spread

Sweet Onion - Tomato Tartlets

What appetizer will you make?  What's the occasion?

{in season} Snow Ice Cream

I promise this is my last snow post this year!  I was going through my 2010 family photos and came across this fun photo of my girls playing in the snow last February during Snowpocalypse (almost 30" of snow fell across the DC metro region).

Weather forecasters are calling for snow this weekend.  If we get more than a dusting, I promised my girls that we would make snow ice cream.  Here's the recipe from Paula Deen in case you want to try.

Snow Ice Cream

Ingredients

8 cups snow, or shaved ice

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Place snow or shaved ice into a large bowl. Pour condensed milk over and add vanilla. Mix to combine. Serve immediately in bowls.

Need more snow inspiration?  Check out this beautiful wedding in Washington, DC during last year's Snowpocalypse!

More Snow Fun

A few days in to the New Year and I'm still having Snow Much Fun!  If you are, too, then you'll love this post.  It's all about snowmen - DIY cute ones to eat or to decorate; perfect for an upcoming winter party!  Enjoy!

Chocolate Snowman Bowls.  Cute?  I thought so too!  You could fill with chocolate milk or better, chocolate pudding and top with the marshmallows.  Photo from Kate Petronis.  Tutorial at onecharmingparty.com.

Snowman milk.  Yes, please.  I'll have some milk!  Photo from Better Homes & Garden.

Yarn Pom Snow People.  Too sweet!!  Photo and tutorial available from Hostess with the Mostess.

Quilled Snowflake.  Gorgeous!  Looks just as beautiful hanging from the ceiling, too.  Photo and tutorial from The TomKat Studio.

Glass Snowman ... made from two round fish bowls!  I know what you are thinking.  I wish I had thought of it, too!  Photo and tutorial from Celebrations at Home.

How about you?  Do you have a favorite snowman idea?  Please share it!  It's snow much fun!

Rainbow Popcorn

In yesterday's post, I showcased a Mad Libs Pajama Party for my daughter's 8th birthday!  In addition to a lot of nonsense and laughter, there was a lot of color - like a rainbow of colors.  One of the colorful details was the Rainbow Popcorn - a really tasty snack made with Jell-O.  My daughter and I made 5 flavors of popcorn - raspberry, orange, lime, blueberry and grape.  Raspberry and orange tasted the best - just ask my sister, who asked me to blog the recipe.  Here you go, Michele!

RAINBOW POPCORN

{from kraftfoods.com}

8 cups popped popcorn

1 cup PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine

3 Tbsp. light corn syrup

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar or granulated sugar

1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Any Flavor Gelatin

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 300°F. Line 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil or wax paper. Toss popcorn and peanuts in large bowl; set aside.

PLACE butter and syrup in small saucepan; cook on low heat until butter is melted. Add sugar and gelatin; stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Bring to boil on medium heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Pour immediately over popcorn mixture; toss to coat well. Spread into prepared pan, using 2 forks to spread evenly.

BAKE 10 minutes. Cool. Remove from pan. Break into small pieces.

Enjoy!  This snack is easy and fast to make and you'll really enjoy the outcome!